Serbia is a parliamentary republic in which the prime minister holds executive power, while the president serves largely as a ceremonial figure. Aleksandar Vučić was elected president in 2017 and re-elected in 2022. Under constitutional provisions, the presidential term is five years, with a maximum of one consecutive re-election, originally scheduled to conclude in May 2027. His decision to resign voluntarily reflects an attempt to circumvent term limits by shifting focus to the premiership—a position that commands actual administrative authority.
Domestic social pressures have also played a significant role. The collapse of the roof at Novi Sad railway station in November 2024 resulted in more than ten deaths. Since then, anti-corruption protests have persisted for nearly two years without resolution. Serbian authorities have attributed the ongoing unrest to external interference, a claim not recognized by the European Union. Prior to his resignation, Vučić signed a pardon decree releasing 49 individuals, 23 of whom were linked to cases involving the protest movement. Rather than confronting domestic tensions passively, he may have opted for a strategic exit—choosing the timing himself and deferring final judgment to voters through an upcoming election.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878031318906887/
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